Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-01

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks now.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Central Library 20 years ago

Student answer (Band 7.0)

The map compares the floor plan of a public library over the last two decades.

Overall, the central library has been modernised, with the introduction of a cafe and a computer room. The tables and chairs in the foyer have also been done away with. A lecture room has also been introduced.

Previously, there was an enquiry desk to your immediate right upon entry to the library. Additionally, a reading room was located opposite the enquiry desk. Furthermore, there were tables and chairs in the foyer. Adult fiction books and adult non-fiction books were designed in the middle of the building, adjacent to each other. Moreover, a children's book room had been allocated the upper right corner. The upper left corner was left out for the Cds, videos and computer games.

Currently, a cafe has replaced the enquiry desk while a computer room is where the reading room was. In addition, adult fiction books remain innthe middle rooms, but have been redesigned to the right. Replacing them in the middle left is a room that contains all reference books. A lecture room has replaced the children books room, previously in the upper right corner. The upper left room now contains children fiction books, plus sofas where individuals can engage in storytelling events.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by comparing the layout of the central library twenty years ago with its present state. A clear overview is provided, highlighting key transformations such as the introduction of a café and a computer room, alongside the removal of the old seating area. The main features are reported accurately, and relevant comparisons are made throughout the body paragraphs. While the description is generally thorough, a few details are slightly under-developed or generalized, which prevents the response from achieving a higher rating. For instance, the exact locations and layout adjustments of some relocated sections, such as the adult fiction and reference books, could have been integrated into a more cohesive comparative narrative. Nevertheless, all core elements of the visual prompt are accounted for and supported with appropriate data from the maps.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout the text. Information is well-sequenced, beginning with a broad introductory overview followed by a distinct summary of past arrangements and current modifications. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different temporal stages of the library's evolution, ensuring the reader can easily follow the spatial comparisons. Cohesive devices such as 'Previously', 'Additionally', 'Furthermore', and 'Currently' are employed effectively to signal shifts in time and location, though occasional mechanical transitions are present. Reference words are generally used clearly, maintaining logical ties between sentences and paragraphs, which successfully aligns the overall structure with a solid upper-intermediate standard.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is adequate and shows a reasonable range appropriate for describing spatial layouts and transformations. The writer attempts some less common lexical items and functional phrases, such as 'modernised', 'relocated', and specific library terminology like 'enquiry desk', 'reference books', and 'storytelling events'. However, there are a few minor lexical inaccuracies and awkward word choices, such as 'designed in the middle' instead of 'situated' or 'located', and a spelling slip with 'innthe'. Despite these occasional flaws in word choice and collocation, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning without impeding communication, meeting the requirements of a competent performance in this area.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation, utilizing a mix of simple and complex sentence forms effectively. There is a good variety of structures used to describe past and present states, such as subordinate clauses ('while a computer room is where the reading room was') and passive constructions ('a cafe has replaced the enquiry desk'). Frequent error-free sentences are present, and grammatical control is generally strong. While a few minor slips occur, such as prepositional or agreement nuances, these errors do not impede communication and are characteristic of a solid command of grammatical structures at this level.

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